Clean Out Your Closets to Help Hurricane Sandy Victims

There are survivors of Hurricane Sandy who can use clothing donations right now and, given my line of work, I know that just about every one of you have clothing tucked away in your closet that you don’t need.

Here’s an idea. Why not donate it to the victims.

But, let’s be thoughtful about what we donate. Here are some tips to keep in mind during your purge.

#1- Donate useful items. This is not an opportunity to rid yourself of buyer’s remorse

Sure, you may have a cocktail dress that still has the tags attached or a pair of platforms that you wore once, nearly broke your ankle when you wore them and then got relegated to the back of the closet. These items are of no use to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Donate useful things like coats, sweaters, gloves, pants and hats. Also, if your children has grown out of coats, pants or sweaters, consider donating them. Shoes and boots would also be great donations, as long as they’e in decent condition.

#2- Clean the clothes before you donate

Hurricane Sandy survivors in need of clothing donation may be desperate, but that doesn’t mean that your stinky, stained clothing should be sent without a thorough cleaning first.

#3- If you are near an affected area and can’t donate, consider offering to wash the clothes of the victims

If you have nothing to donate but want to help, offer to wash the clothing items that the victims were able to salvage. Having chatted with Tide Loads of Hope, I’ve learned that when people lose everything but a few clothing items, many are attached to those things. Just imagine a child who only has their favorite blanket or stuffed animal left after losing everything else. How comforted would they feel if they had it to hold on to washed and clean? This is a great idea for those who live in the tri-state area who were spared any major devastation and want to lend a hand to those in the area who were.

If you don’t have a washer, consider rounding up clothing items from victims in your nearby area and offering to bring their clothing to a local laundromat and returning them. If it is a small way you can help while lifting a small burden from those who have a lot of other things to worry about.

Where to Ship

If you’re looking for a place to ship clothing or online purchase of blankets, warm clothing, socks, rubber boots, diapers (esp. toddler sizes), formula, wipes, water, flashlights, batteries, stick-n-click lights. Have it shipped directly to: C/o City Councilmember James Sanders Jr., 1526 Central Ave, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. It WILL get there and will be put to good use immediately — by devastated people who have lost everything they had. Volunteers there are working in the cold and dark. The situation there is absolutely dire.

Tide Loads of Hope is Here to Help!!!

Since posting this blog, I just got word that Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry Program has arrived in New Jersey To Provide Free Laundry Services.

Where:

Lowe’s

118 New Jersey 35

Eatontown, NJ 07724

(732) 544-5820

Working with the American Red Cross, the Tide Loads of Hope mobile laundry program will be providing free full service laundry to relief workers and residents of the New Jersey area who are in need of resources and support following the damage caused by the adverse weather. These residents and workers are encouraged to drop off their laundry to be washed, dried and folded, free of charge. No bedding, jackets, or other large pieces will be accepted.

Service is available starting November 3rd from 8am to 6pm.

As of 6am this morning, I have been advised from Tide Loads of Hope that 100 people were already lined up to take advantage of these wonderful services that Tide Loads of Hope provides!!!!

Thank you, Tide!!!!

If your look for places to donate clothing and other items, click here for resources. Unfortunately, there are a lot of scams out there. To make sure you are donating smartly, here are some tips and additional resources.

Related

Such a great idea! Clean out your closest and help those in need at the same time. There is nothing quite like killing two birds with one stone. I wish this concept was pushed harder in my hometown.

Kim B

I have been trying to get this same message across…With the help of my store Lowe’s of Union, NJ we have collected about a thousand pounds of clothing, non-perishable foods, and other items; we have been trying to find a direct source to send them to, because you can’t trust every chatity. This was soo helpful. Thank you

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